Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that will impress your friends and family, look no further than this Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake. This dessert is a heavenly combination of rich chocolate cake, luscious chocolate mousses, and a glossy ganache that makes it irresistible. It’s perfect for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries, but honestly, it’s also great for those cozy weeknights when you just want to treat yourself!
What makes this recipe truly special is how each layer complements the others. The moist chocolate cake provides a sturdy base, while the airy mousse layers add lightness and depth of flavor. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this has become one of my favorite sweets to share!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent flavors: The triple chocolate layers create a rich yet balanced taste that’s pure bliss.
- Impressive presentation: This cake looks stunning on any table, making it a perfect centerpiece for gatherings.
- Flexible layers: You can easily customize the mousse flavors or garnishes to suit your taste.
- Make-ahead goodness: Prepare the cake in advance to save time on busy days; it tastes even better after chilling!
- Family-friendly treat: Everyone loves chocolate! This cake is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this mouthwatering Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake, you’ll need simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s gather everything we need!
For the Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (50g) cocoa powder
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (128g) sour cream, room temperature
- ½ cup (110g) vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp espresso powder
- 1 cup (240ml) hot water
For the Chocolate Mousses
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream, divided
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3.5 oz (100g) dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 4.5 oz (130g) white chocolate, finely chopped
For the Chocolate Ganache
- 5 oz (140g) milk chocolate, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup (80ml) heavy cream
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can adapt it based on your personal preferences or what you have on hand.
- Swap the chocolates: Use different types of chocolate such as semi-sweet or ruby chocolate for unique flavors.
- Add fruit layers: Incorporate fresh raspberries or strawberries between the mousse layers for a fruity twist.
- Try different frostings: Instead of ganache, top with whipped coconut cream for a lighter finish.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for a delicious alternative.
How to Make Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Greasing and lining your cake pans will ensure that your cakes come out beautifully without sticking. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—this helps to aerate your dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla until smooth; these wet ingredients bring moisture to our cake.
Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Once combined, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until everything is fully incorporated. Now comes an exciting step! Dissolve that espresso powder in hot water—this little addition enhances the chocolate flavor tremendously. Pour this into your batter and mix until blended.
Step 3: Bake Your Cakes
Divide your batter evenly between prepared pans and bake them in your preheated oven for about 35 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean from the center. Let them cool completely before turning out from the pans—this way they won’t break apart!
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Mousses
While your cakes are cooling down, let’s shift our focus to those dreamy mousses! Start by placing chopped dark and white chocolates into separate bowls. Whisk egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch until pale; this creates a lovely custard base for our mousses.
Step 5: Create Your Custard Base
Heat one cup of heavy cream with vanilla over medium-low heat until steaming—not boiling! Gradually drizzle this hot cream into your egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly; this tempering process prevents curdling. Return it all back to heat until thickened—this step is crucial for achieving that silky texture in your mousses.
Step 6: Combine Custard with Chocolates
Pour half of this velvety custard over each type of chocolate and stir until melted smooth. Now whip up that reserved heavy cream to stiff peaks—it adds airiness! Fold half into each chocolate mixture gently so as not to deflate that amazing fluffiness.
Step 7: Assemble Your Stunning Cake
Grab one cake layer and place it at the bottom of a cake ring on your serving plate. Spread the dark mousse over top evenly first; then carefully add the white mousse layer next. Chill these beauties in the fridge for about 30 minutes to set before adding another layer of cake on top.
Step 8: Chill Until Set
Let’s let this masterpiece chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours or ideally overnight if you can resist! This waiting period ensures everything sets perfectly together.
Step 9: Make That Luscious Ganache
While waiting patiently—or maybe sneakily tasting some leftover mousse—prepare your ganache by heating up cream again until steaming. Pour over chopped milk chocolate and allow it to sit before stirring until glossy; this will be our beautiful topping.
Step 10: Decorate Your Cake!
Once everything has chilled nicely together—spread that delicious ganache atop while pushing gently toward edges so it drips down beautifully. Feel free to decorate with sprinkles or shavings if desired!
Refrigerate until ready to serve—you’ve made something truly special! Enjoy every bite of your Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake with family and friends!
Pro Tips for Making Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Creating the perfect Tuxedo Cake is all about attention to detail and a little bit of love. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully!
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter and more even baking, resulting in a tender texture.
- Sift your dry ingredients: Sifting flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder helps to aerate them, preventing lumps and ensuring even distribution in your batter.
- Be patient with the cooling process: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the mousse from melting and ensures clean layers.
- Chill between layers: Letting each mousse layer set in the fridge before adding the next cake layer will help maintain the structure of your cake when slicing.
- Use high-quality chocolate: The flavor of your mousse will shine through with good quality chocolate, elevating the dessert experience significantly.
How to Serve Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Serving Tuxedo Cake can be just as fun as making it! With a few thoughtful presentation ideas, you can impress your guests and make every slice feel special.
Garnishes
- Chocolate shavings: A classic garnish that adds elegance and visual appeal. Simply use a vegetable peeler or grater on a block of chocolate to create delicate curls.
- Fresh berries: Raspberries or strawberries add a pop of color and a tart contrast to the rich chocolate flavors, enhancing both taste and presentation.
- Mint leaves: A few fresh mint leaves can provide a refreshing aroma and beautiful green contrast against the dark chocolate.
Side Dishes
- Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate flavors, creating a delightful temperature contrast.
- Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option that’s just as luscious, whipped coconut cream provides lightness and complements the cake’s richness perfectly.
- Fruit salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits can balance out the sweetness of the cake while adding freshness to each bite.
- Coffee or espresso: Serving coffee alongside this dessert enhances its flavors. The bitterness complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully, making every bite more enjoyable.
Now you’re all set to create an unforgettable dessert experience with your Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake! Enjoy every delicious moment.

Make Ahead and Storage
This Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it in advance, making it an excellent choice for special occasions or gatherings.
Storing Leftovers
- Wrap any leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, consider freezing as detailed below.
Freezing
- Slice the cake into individual portions before freezing for convenience.
- Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
- If you prefer your cake slightly warmed, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on low power for about 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
FAQs
Have questions about making this delicious Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake? Here are some common queries!
Can I make this Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be prepared a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
How do I ensure my cake layers are even?
To achieve even layers, use a kitchen scale to measure your batter equally between pans. You can also level the tops with a serrated knife after cooling if necessary.
Can I substitute the heavy cream in the mousse?
Yes! You can use coconut cream or a non-dairy whipped topping if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making this delightful Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake! It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings together rich flavors and beautiful presentation. Enjoy every bite and share it with friends and family. Happy baking!
Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Indulge in the luxurious layers of Tuxedo Cake – Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake! This stunning dessert combines a rich chocolate cake with airy dark and white chocolate mousses, all topped with a glossy ganache. Perfect for special occasions or simply to treat yourself, this cake is sure to impress friends and family alike. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, making it a delightful centerpiece for any gathering. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a quiet night in, this cake brings joy to every occasion.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 cups heavy cream, divided
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3.5 oz dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 4.5 oz white chocolate, finely chopped
- 5 oz milk chocolate, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare your cake pans by greasing them.
- In a bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until combined. Add hot water mixed with espresso powder.
- Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for about 35 minutes; check doneness with a toothpick.
- For the mousses: Whisk egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch until pale. Heat heavy cream with vanilla until steaming; gradually whisk into yolk mixture.
- Return to heat until thickened; divide custard over chopped dark and white chocolates and stir to melt.
- Fold whipped cream into each chocolate mixture separately for lightness.
- Assemble by layering the cake with dark mousse followed by white mousse; chill before adding another layer of cake on top.
- Chill for at least four hours before topping with ganache made from heated cream poured over chopped milk chocolate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg